CN1157664A

CN1157664A - Position sensing controller and method for generating control signals

Info

Publication number: CN1157664A
Application number: CN95194950A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彼得·M·雷德福; 唐纳德·S·斯特恩
Original assignee: TV Interactive Data Corp
Current assignee: TV Interactive Data Corp
Priority date: 1994-07-26
Filing date: 1995-07-24
Publication date: 1997-08-20
Also published as: EP0772863A4; JPH11506551A; EP0772863A1; CA2195317A1; AU3131295A; WO1996003736A1

Abstract

An improved position sensing controller (40) allows a person to precisely control the movement of a remote object or device in one or two dimensions by simply tilting the hand-held controller (40) to generating control signals. A position sensor (48a) that includes a bubble (56) in a liquid is used to determine the angular position of the controller with respect to a horizontally level plane. A light source (64) emits light that is reflected by the bubble, into two opposing photodiodes (68a, 68b). A ratiometric amplifier (80) produces a signal corresponding to the ratio of the light incident on each of the photodiodes (68a, 68b) to provide a signal corresponding to the angle, relative to a horizontally level plane, by which the controller is tilted. The controller (40) can use a diffused laser light-emitting diode to transmit signals to the controlled device.

Description

The method of position sensing controller and generation control signal

The present invention is relevant to improved position sensing controller, and this controller allows a people accurately to control remote object or device (for example electronic game character display) moving at one dimension or two-dimensional space by the hand-held controller that tilts simply.

Electronic game is operated with the electronic game controller that is referred to as " gamepad " usually, and gamepad is commonly used to control the operation of game machine (promptly being exclusively used in the computing equipment of operation electronic game).Game console also is used to control personal computer and interactive television machine ejection device.Press or decontrol the directionkeys on the game console, can reach and close or the effect of cut-off switch.For example, if game console is used for car race game, presses LeftArrow so automobile is turned left.Yet " all or noon " action of directionkeys can cause and be difficult to control electronic game.Understand this problem, only need the imagination when driving a car, force the driver, perhaps drive a car by pressing button switch rather than steering wheel rotation thinking to turn slightly when a bit curved steering wheel rotation always.

Denomination of invention is the U.S. Pat 5 of " hand-held tilt sensitive non-control lever control enclosure ", 059,958 (the application mandates of October 22 to people such as Jacobs in 1991) disclose adopts control device to produce the technology of corresponding lateral attitude control signal, this control device has the shell of a boxlike, with the hands controls to make its inclination.The user with the hands holds this control device, and pushes by what finger started and " be installed in the switch of cover top portion symmetrically, to produce auxiliary control signal." side circuit in the box comprises some mercury switches, these switches open or close according to the lateral attitude of control device.Therefore, the Jacobs controller can provide the control signal of a low resolution, and it has a value of selecting from the discrete value of limited quantity.

The wireless electron controller almost is used to the various aspects of living now.Wireless controller is used to control nearly all audio and video equipment, comprises televisor, video cassette recorder (VCR), cable control enclosure, stereophone receiver and compact disc player.Wireless controller also is used for pulpit intraoral illumination, control electronic game machine operation, and mouse moving on the control computer screen.

Main two class radio communications, i.e. infrared signal and the radiofrequency signal of adopting between controller and controlled device.The infrared LED (light emitting diode) that is used for this class application is focused usually, thus the very narrow infrared beam of emission.The controller of the infrared LED emissioning controling signal by a focusing must be aimed at controlled device usually, and concerning the control signal that receives by the controller emission, by controlled device, usually a sighting distance clearly must be arranged between controller and controlled device.

Sight line between interruptable controller and the controlled device, for example people or other move on to the barrier in the space between controller and the controlled device, can destroy the control signal slave controller usually to the transmission between the controlled device.Similarly, some controller is responded to moving of this controller or location, emissioning controling signal thus.A kind of like this controller is described in people's such as Jacobs U.S. Pat 5059958.When moving on request and adjusting sort controller, continue controller is aimed at controlled device.Receive control signal to avoid destroying controlled device, this normally is difficult to.

In many application, interrupt control signal slave controller produces remarkable influence to the transmission meeting of controlled device to the application of controlled device.For example, interrupt the control signal of the wireless controller emission of electronic game machine, can cause the people of a Play Station games to be counted as not too experienced operators, comprise and end this recreation prematurely.Similarly, interrupt control signal, cause to possible errors computing machine not move on request from a locating device (as Genius mouse) to the computing machine of carrying out " draw and stop (drag-and-drop) " graphical user interface.Drawing and stopping graphical user interface is known technology, is used to for example Macintosh of Apple ^RIn the computing machine and the Microsoft of Microsoft ^RWindows ^TMIn the operating system.

The LED that is focused focuses on luminous energy usually and is concentrated into a conical light beam, is called " aperture ", and to specify a half-angle, this half-angle usually be outer peripheral angle measurement from the aperture center to aperture.For example, (Fig. 1 a) is focused to infrared light the aperture 106 of a half-angle 108 to the LED 102 that is focused.When aperture 106 is aimed at a reception photodiode 104, higher relatively by the infrared light intensity that photodiode 104 is received.Yet, relatively low by the infrared light intensity that photodiode 104 is received when aperture 106 departs from photodiode 104 (shown in Fig. 1 b), and be difficult to and the background infrared light makes a distinction.

In order to compensate the intensity variations that receives by photodiode 104, usually photodiode 104 is linked automatic gain control (" AGC ") circuit (not shown).In the mobile phase controller together of controller, by receiving significant variation of light intensity generation that photodiode (as photodiode 104) is received.Control electronic game machine or use when carrying out traction and stopping the computing machine of graphical user interface when adopting sort controller to send basic successive control information, this agc circuit must rapidly and compensate this Strength Changes exactly, to avoid the loss of control information.The most of agc circuit that is used for controlled device at present can not compensate this Strength Changes in the infrared control signal of reception with enough quick degree, thereby can't avoid the loss of control information.

Diffusion LED out-focus, promptly its half-angle is approximately 90 ° or bigger.Diffusion LED can avoid requiring sight line clearly between controller and controlled device.Similarly, because the intensity of infrared signal can not change when diffusion LED changes direction significantly, the agc circuit that therefore is used for most of controlled devices at present can compensate any subtle change in the infrared signal of receiving fast enough to avoid the loss of control information.Have the infrared signal of enough intensity to guarantee can receive at the controlled device that useful distance (for example greater than 2 meters distance) is located but produce, diffusion LED desired power is than actual being eager to excel of providing.

The second class radio communication that is used between controller and the controlled device is radio frequency (RF) signal.The controller that is emit a control signal to controlled device by the RF signal has been avoided and the relevant many problems of focusing infrared signal usually, but its expense and complicacy all can enlarge markedly.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of improved position sensing controller, allow a people accurately to control remote object or device (for example electronic game character display) moving at one dimension or two-dimensional space by the hand-held controller that tilts simply.

In one embodiment, an improved controller detects it from position, angle or direction in two-dimensional space (being relevant to X-axis and Y-axis).For example, when the operator with controller left, to the right, when tilting forward or backward, controller provides the new obliquity corresponding digital control signal with this controller.Left and right in the game console of these digital controlled signals and prior art by pushing, on or below the control signal that produces to key be equal to so this controller and existing electronic game machine compatibility fully.

Yet different with existing game console is that controller of the present invention is simple and cheap, and high-resolution control signal can also be provided.In the above in the car race game example of Miao Shuing, " driver " can accurately turn the bearing circle rotation little needed amount when curved by the slightly inclined controller, and needn't be by digital switch steering wheel rotation or steering wheel rotation not always.

Digital controlled signal also can be controlled the parameter except that the position of object in two-dimensional space.For example, in car race game, controller turned forward to control acceleration (gas pedal), can control deceleration (brake pedal) and controller receded.

Bright according to this, a controller adopts the laser diode of diffusion to control signal of controlled device emission.

Fig. 1 a and 1b are according to the block scheme of prior art to the focusing infrared LED that receives photodiode emission infrared signal.

Fig. 2 a is the vertical view according to an embodiment of controller of the present invention.

Fig. 2 b is the vertical view according to another embodiment of controller of the present invention.

Fig. 2 c shows a pair of position transducer module, and its induction controller is with respect to the position, angle or the direction of X-axis and Y-axis.

Fig. 3 is the sectional drawing of overlooking of position transducer module.

Fig. 4 a, 4b and 4c show respectively the position transducer module in the small plastic shell backsight, overlook and side view.

The block scheme of Fig. 5 shows an embodiment with the position transducer module of ratio digital instrument amplifier interface.

Fig. 6 a to 6d shows trigger pulse and three different output signals of ratio digital instrument amplifier.

Fig. 7 is the block scheme according to an embodiment of the circuit of controller of the present invention.

Fig. 8 a to 8e shows five different output control signals according to controller circuitry of the present invention.

The block scheme of Fig. 9 shows another embodiment according to controller circuitry of the present invention.

Figure 10 a and 10b show the emission agreement that is used for the transmitting site designation data and an embodiment of packet.

Figure 11 is the block scheme of an embodiment of infrared receiving set.

Figure 12 is the block scheme according to another embodiment of controller circuitry of the present invention.

Figure 13 a and 13b are respectively overlooking of two-dimensional position sensor module and side cross-sectional, view.

Figure 13 c and 13d are respectively the overlooking and side cross-sectional, view of another embodiment of two-dimensional position sensor module.

The block scheme of Figure 14 shows another embodiment with the location sensitive module of ratio digital instrument amplifier interface.

The block scheme of Figure 15 shows another embodiment according to controller circuitry of the present invention.

The block scheme of Figure 16 shows the diffusion laser diode that infrared signal is transmitted into the reception photodiode according to the present invention.

Figure 17 shows the transmission of infrared signal from the diffusion laser diode to the reception photodiode when the straight line sight line between diffusion laser diode and the photodiode is hindered.

Fig. 2 a is the vertical view according to an embodiment of a position sensing control device 40 of the present invention (being called controller 40 at this).Controller 40 is used to control game machine, televisor, interactive television machine ejection device or can carries out electronically controlled any device by the user.In the left side of controller 40 are four direction key 44a-d.Directionkeys 44a-d is simple opening/closing device.Except that four direction key 44a-d, controller 40 comprises four operating key 44e-h.Fig. 2 b is the vertical view of another embodiment of controller, i.e. controller 40-6, and (Fig. 2 direction and operating key a), it also comprises operating key 44i-k except controller 40.

Fig. 2 c shows a pair of

position transducer module

48a and 48b, and their induction controllers 40 are in the position, angle or the direction of relative X-axis of two-dimensional space and Y-axis.Each

position transducer module

48a and 48b induction are with respect to the position, angle of an axle.In one embodiment, corresponding to the axle of position sensor module 48a with spool be quadrature basically corresponding to position sensor 48b.

The Fig. 7 and " location detector module " shown in Figure 10 of

position transducer module

48a and 48b and the U.S. Patent application 08/076,032 (applying date is on June 15th, 1993) of not concluding are similar, and this application is used as the list of references of this paper.In U.S. Patent application of submitting on Dec 5th, 1,991 07/804,240 and the United States Patent (USP) 5,218,771 of authorizing on June 15th, 1993 other embodiment of position sensor assembly has been done openly, these two pieces of documents all are used as the list of references of this paper.

The microcontroller that the output of

position transducer module

48a and 48b is described below is converted to and is equivalent to directionkeys 44a-d (Fig. 2 adjusted closure a).Therefore, the operation of controller 40 can be that (1) is similar to present game console, adopt four direction key 44a-d in manual operation mode, perhaps (2) a kind of (for example " figure pattern ", " moving window pattern ", " ratio mode ", " pattern relatively " or " absolute mode ") by inclination controller 40 and in the multiple different operation modes of the microcontroller that will describe below adopting provides all kinds of control signals that are applicable to different application.

Fig. 3 is the top cross-sectional view of position transducer module 48a.In this embodiment, position transducer module 48a is identical and TVI 501 position detectors of the television interactive data company of the California San Jose that respectively does for oneself with 48b.Therefore Fig. 3 also is the accurate expression of position transducer mould port 48b (Fig. 2 c).Position transducer module 48a (Fig. 3) comprises a transparent cylindrical container 52, wherein has a reverberation 56 to be suspended in the solvent 60.In one embodiment, reverberation 56 is made of air, and solvent 60 is isopropyl alcohols of 91%.On the other hand, solvent 60 can be a kind of light oil, and reverberation 56 can be gas, liquid or solid.For example, reverberation 56 can be the light oil that is suspended in the water (as solvent 60).On the other hand, reverberation 56 can be the solid-state reflection ball bearing that is suspended in the solvent 60, and solvent 60 can be water, oil or air.Be appreciated that, other material also can be used to constitute reverberation 56 and solvent 60, condition is that (i) reverberation 56 keeps separating with solvent 60, (ii) from the signal of signal source (below will describe) emission by solvent 60, (iii) reverberation 56 moves freely in solvent 60, (iv) signal receiver (below will describe) is arrived in signal reflex.

The operation of position transducer module 48a is not influenced by the size of reverberation 56 basically.When reverberation 56 less than the internal capacity of cylindrical chamber 52 10% or 90% the time, can obtain satisfied result greater than it.As about 30% time less than the internal capacity of cylindrical chamber 52 of the weight of reverberation 56 or solvent 60, can observe the fine delay in the signal response that position sensor assembly 48a is moved.When adopting the compact reflective ball bearing as reverberation 56, when perhaps the bubble that occupies cylindrical chamber 52 internal capacities more than 70% when employing is as reverberation 56, usually this situation can appear.This fine delay is the result who is played bigger effect by the inertia of the weight of solvent 60 and reverberation 56 in the moving process of reverberation 56.

End at cylindrical chamber 52 is an infrarede emitting diode (" LED ") 64 that transmits, and this signal is an infrared light in this case, and by reverberation 56 reflections.Resistance R 1 (Fig. 5) is set the brightness of infrared LED 64 (Fig. 3), thereby determines the intensity of signal.In the both sides of cylindrical chamber 52 are photodiode 68a and the 68b that receive by the signal of reverberation 56 reflections.When position transducer module 48a was horizontal, reverberation 56 was positioned at the centre of photodiode 68a and 68b.Reverberation 56 is mirror lens, and it reflects the signal (for example infrared light) of equivalent in this position to each photodiode 68a and 68b.Because position transducer module 48a is around the longitudinal axis rotation (being represented by dotted arrow A) of hydrostatic column 52,

photodiode

68a and 68b are with respect to keeping static reverberation 56 to move.Photodiode 68a and 68b progressively change the direction of light with respect to moving of reverberation 56, increase the incident light to one of them of

photodiode

68a and 68b, and reduce another incident light among photodiode 68a and the 68b.Each photodiode 68a is the same with 68b image current source, produces the electric current that is directly proportional with incident light on this photodiode.The hydrostatic column 52 of solvent 60 is equipped with in stopper 72 sealings.

Fig. 4 a, 4b and 4c show respectively position transducer module 48a backsight, overlook and side view, this module 48a is placed in the small plastic housing 76, to guarantee aiming at repeatedly of infrared LED 64 and two photodiode 68a and 68b.Lead 78 produces infrared LED 64 and

photodiode

68a and 68b and is electrically connected.

Fig. 5 shows according to the present invention an embodiment with the cylindric position transducer module 48a of " a ratio digital instrument amplifier " 80 (abbreviating " than rate amplifier " as) interface.Comprise a CMOS 555 timers 84 (for example TLC 555 timers of Texas instrument company) than rate amplifier 80, be configured to one shot multivibrator.In another embodiment, adopt astable multivibrator.Than rate amplifier 80 are high-resolution analog to digital converters, it is converted to the waveform of doing width modulation with the analog output current of photodiode 68a among the

position transducer module

48a and 68b, be called as the XY output signal, and the microcontroller that will describe below being transfused to.XY output signal indicating control 40 is along X-axis or the Y-axis position with respect to reference planes (for example surface level).

XY output signal on the pin 3 of timer 84 is low at the beginning.(Fig. 6 a) makes during by resistance R 2 chargings the XY output signal on the pin 3 of timer 84 become high state in capacitor C 2, and remains on high state at the effectively short trigger pulse of a low state on the pin two.When the voltage at C2 two ends reach supply voltage Vcc 2/3rds the time, capacitor C2 is by pin 7 discharges of timer 84, thus the XY output signal on the pin 3 of timer 84 is got back to low state.When controller 40 (a) maintenance level of Fig. 2, reverberation 56 (Fig. 3) be when being in the center, the pulse-width modulation waveform of generation, promptly the XY output signal of Chan Shenging is shown in Fig. 6 c.

(Fig. 2 a) tilts in a direction when controller 40, one of them that causes position transducer module 48a (Fig. 2 c) and 48b is when its axle rotation, the result is the incident light quantity that has increased on the photodiode (for example photodiode 68a (Fig. 5)), and has reduced the incident light quantity on another photodiode (for example photodiode 68b).

Position transducer module 48a is connected to timer 84, so that photodiode 68a provides current to the control input end (pin 5) of timer 84, and photodiode 68b takes electric current away from this control input end.The control input end of timer 84 (pin 5) is connected internally to a resitstance voltage divider, and this voltage divider is converted to control voltage with two photodiode currents of photodiode 68a and 68b.The result is that the pulsewidth of the XY output signal on the pin 3 of timer 84 is proportional to the ratio (rather than poor) that incides the light on photodiode 68a and the 68b.

When two

photodiode

68a and 68b receive the illumination that equates, promptly when reverberation 56 (Fig. 3) is placed in the middle, the magnitude of current that photodiode 68b takes away equates with the magnitude of current that photodiode 68a provides, thereby produce zero net current in the control input end of timer 84 (pin 5 of Fig. 5), thereby the XY output signal of the width modulation on the pin 3 of timer 84 is unaffected, and remains on the central pulsewidth of being determined by resistance R 2 (Fig. 5) and capacitor C 2 (Fig. 6 c).When

photodiode

68a and 68b received the incident light of inequality, promptly when reverberation 56 (Fig. 3) was not placed in the middle, a net current flow to or flows out the control input end (pin 5 of Fig. 5) of timer 84, and the pulse width of change XY output signal.Fig. 6 d shows when photodiode 68a receives the incident light of manying more than photodiode 68b the XY output signal that the pin 3 (Fig. 5) at timer 84 produces.Fig. 6 b shows the XY output signal that produces when photodiode 68a (Fig. 5) receives less incident light than photodiode 68b.

Compare with the analog to digital converter of prior art than rate amplifier (as than rate amplifier 80) according to one of the present invention and to have following advantage: (a) the XY output signal on the pin 3 of timer 84 is proportional to the ratio (rather than poor) of the incident light on photodiode 68a and the 68b, produce and a relatively independent circuit of supply voltage Vcc thus, and fabulous noise robustness is provided, and Voltage Reference, voltage regulator or big filter capacitor needn't be arranged; (b) the XY output signal is not used to provide the influence of change of sensitivity of the analog sensor (for

example photodiode

68a and 68b) of input; (c) the XY output signal is not driven the influence that the absolute value of the signal of analog sensor (for example infrared LED 64 of irradiates light

electric diode

68a and 68b) changes; (d) than rate amplifier 80 than conventional A/D converter considerably cheaper with difference input.Although be used to this embodiment than rate amplifier 80, digital output signal corresponding to the incident light quantity on photodiode 68a and the 68b is provided, but also can be used to provide digital output signal corresponding to analog input according to of the present invention than rate amplifier, this analog input is responded to any measurable physical parameter (as temperature, pressure or the like) by converter and is provided.

Fig. 7 is the block scheme of the embodiment (being controller 40a) according to controller circuitry of the present invention.For simplicity, (Fig. 2 a) directionkeys 44a-d not to be shown in Fig. 7.Two

position transducer module

48a and 48b are connected to a single timer 84, so that induction is with respect to the position, angle of X-axis and Y-axis.Microcontroller 88 is configured to a transmitter, and multiple signals EX and EY are provided, and this signal once one of them of an enable

position sensor assembly

48a and 48b provides input signal to timer 84.This can be by each time (for example when one of them signal step-down of EX or EY) shines reverberator 56 (Fig. 3) selectively and realizes in a position transducer module (Fig. 7) only.For example, when holding signal EY was high state, by the EX signal of low state is sent to the pin 8 of position transducer module 48a from the pin one 2 of microcontroller 88, microcontroller 88 started primary importance sensor assembly 48a.After being activated, position transducer module 48a induction when position transducer module 48a when X-axis is rotated position transducer module 48a with respect to the position, angle of horizontal plane.This position, angle is called as " X position " in this article.

Then, microcontroller 88 sends the pin two of a trigger pulse to timer 84, and measures generation on the pin 3 of timer 84, and is input to the pulse width of XY output signal of the pin 4 of microcontroller 88.Then, microcontroller 88 adopts a digital value representing this pulsewidth to produce original " X positional value " corresponding to the X position, and this original X positional value digital filtering is eliminated the shake of hand.In one embodiment, be averaged, come, to produce the X positional value the filtering of original X positional value by X positional value to five up-to-date measurements.

After the X positional value produces, microcontroller 88 is by sending to a low state EY signal pin 8 of position transducer module 48b from the pin one 1 of microcontroller 88, and holding signal EX is a high state simultaneously, start second place sensor assembly 48b, produce one " Y positional value " in a similar fashion.

Fig. 8 a-8e shows the output of the width modulation control signal on how microcontroller 88 be converted to X and Y positional value microcontroller 88 in the ratio mode the

7,8,9,10, will do very detailed description to this below.According to following comprehensive description of doing, the ratio mode is used to according to digital control agreement emission amplitude information.Fig. 8 a to 8e shows as controller 40a and is remained on horizontal level for the first time, when being tilted to the left then, and the waveform of the output control signal on the pin 9 of for example microcontroller 88.

Fig. 8 a shows the height output that produces when the top surface of controller 40a is horizontal.Fig. 8 b shows an effective burst pulse of single low state that produces when controller 40a is tilted to the left (as 10 ° inclination) a little.Fig. 8 c shows a plurality of burst pulses that produce when controller 40a further is tilted to the left (as 20 ° inclination).Fig. 8 d shows the pulse width is how to increase when left-leaning oblique angle further increases (as 40 ° of inclinations).Fig. 8 e shows the low state output that produces when left-leaning oblique angle increases to maximum angular (as 70 ° of inclinations).

In one embodiment, control signal outputs to controlled device (as game machine of the prior art) by one 6 pin hardware connector 90 on the

7,8,9,10 (Fig. 7) of microcontroller 88.

Fig. 9 is the circuit block diagram of controller 40b, and this controller is second embodiment according to controller of the present invention, and its simulation is used for " mouse " or other indicating device of personal computer (" PC ").For example, the controller 40b that is tilted to the left can shift to the left side with the cursor on the PC screen.In this embodiment, controller 40b moves with following " relative mode " that will do to describe comprehensively; That is to say that controller 40b is " relatively " indicating device, because the position of controller 40b can not map directly to the ad-hoc location on the PC screen, on the contrary, position, the angle instructs cursor of controller 40b moves with respect to the original position of cursor.

In Fig. 9, the control input end (pin 5) that the resistance that is provided by resistance R 2 and R3 is selected to timer 84 is provided as half bias voltage of supply voltage Vcc.This structure makes the symmetria bilateralis ground operation of timer 84 " middle position " (being the horizontal level of controller 40b), and increases the dynamic range of timer 84 effectively.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9, microcontroller 94 is exported control signals by the serial output terminal mouth (pin 3) of microcontroller 94 to infrared transmitter 100.Infrared transmitter 100 is frequency shift keying oscillators, and it is modulated by the control signal of output on the pin 3.The pulse that is produced by the frequency shift keying oscillator is converted to infrared light by infrared LED D2.Switch S 1 is a cursor enable button, and it starts microcontroller 94 and comes the chosen position deixis.Switch S 2 and S3 are respectively the left and right sides mouse buttons that is used to control the cursor on the PC screen.

Microcontroller 94 adopts infrared RS-232C serial link to communicate by letter with main PC (not shown), and main PC is that controller 40b is by the PC of infrared transmitter 100 to its emission data.For example, infrared link is with the 1200 baud serials emission data by 40 kHz carrier modulation.Adopt a FSK (frequency shift keying) form, wherein logical one is represented by the square wave of 40 kHz, and logical zero is by 0 volt of expression.Figure 10 a shows the emission agreement, and Figure 10 b shows a packet that is usually used in the transmitting site designation data.

Figure 11 is the block scheme with an embodiment of the infrared receiving circuit of controller 40b (Fig. 9) use.Infrared receiving circuit comprises an infrared remote receiver 110 (Figure 11) (as the GP1U52X infrared remote receiver of Sharp Electronics's manufacturing), and its receives the infrared signal by infrared transmitter 100 (Fig. 9) emission.

To infrared remote receiver 110 (Figure 11) power supply, and it is adjusted to 5 volts voltage from the circuit RTS of serial port and DTR with pressure regulator 114 (as the LP2950CZ pressure regulator of National Semiconductor's manufacturing of California Santa Clara).Circuit DTR always delivers by a high-value signal of driver control (promptly 5 to 12 volts).Circuit RTS delivers the high state signal usually, delivers a low signal (promptly-5 to-12 voltage) but regulated by pulsing in moment sometimes.Be used for ID sequence of pulse request at the circuit RTS of the low value signal of moment delivery.Diode D ₃Prevention is transistor Q when RTS circuit step-down ₁Grid become negative value.When circuit RTS step-down, diode D ₂Be buffered to the input of pressure regulator.Transistor Q ₁Be the part of voltage shift device, this shift unit is with the input and the upward big variation in voltage isolation of signal of circuit RTS of microcontroller 118.

In Figure 11, infrared remote receiver 110 induction is from the infrared signal of infrared transmitter 100 (Fig. 9), with the signal demodulation of emission, and the signal of demodulation outputed to the pin 5 of microcontroller 118 (Figure 11).Microcontroller 118 outputs to transistor Q with the signal on the pin two ₂Transistor Q ₂Be a loopback switch, as transistor Q ₂During conducting, by circuit TXD being connected to the circuit DTR that always is in high state, transistor Q ₂Force circuit TXD for high.

In some applications, in infrared transmitter, adopt " diffusion laser diode " (being the SFH495P diffusion laser diode that the Siemens Company of California Cupertino produces), rather than conventional infrared LED produce be used for that control signal is transmitted into the infrared beam of infrared remote receiver can be more favourable.Conventional infrared LED is launched low intensive light, and it produces directional beam by lens focus.

When the infrared transmitter that adopts conventional infrared LED when causing infrared beam to move past direction fast moving of infrared remote receiver, the infrared beam that the infrared remote receiver receiving intensity can change.Infrared remote receiver must compensate this variation by the sensitivity of adopting " automatic gain control " to regulate infrared remote receiver.When infrared transmitter moved too rapidly, automatic gain control can not be made enough responses, so the part infrared emission can be lost.On the contrary, therefore the diffusion light beam that " diffusion laser diode " produces is not directed not by lens focus.As a result, though when infrared transmitter as described above rapid when mobile, also have the diffusion light of as much to arrive infrared remote receiver, thereby infrared remote receiver needn't use automatic gain control, infrared emission is without any loss.In addition, the diffusion laser diode is higher than conventional infrared LED efficient, and produces the infrared light that can propagate longer-distance higher-strength.

Figure 12 is the block scheme of the circuit of controller 40c, and this circuit is the 3rd embodiment of a controller of the present invention, and it adopts many buttons scanner.Select the value of resistance R 2 and R3 to come control input end (pin 5) to be provided as half bias voltage of power Vcc for timer 84.This structure makes the symmetria bilateralis ground operation of timer 84 " middle position " (being the surface level position of controller 40c), and increases the dynamic range of timer 84 effectively.

In the embodiment of Figure 12, microcontroller 122 is carried out a computer processes, and this process is defined by the computer instruction in the storer (not shown) that is stored in microcontroller 122.In one embodiment, microcontroller 122 is XC68HC05KO microcontrollers of Motorola Inc.'s manufacturing of Arizona State Phoenix.In this same embodiment, the computer source code of microcontroller 122 adopts the M68HC705KICS of Motorola Inc. assembly routine to collect, and is installed in the microcontroller 122 with routine techniques.

When a controlled device (as game machine of the prior art-do not illustrate) during to microcontroller 122 inquiry X and Y positional value and button state, microcontroller 122 beginning object computer processes.Controlled device can be for example electronic game machine, interactive television ejection device or personal computer.The mode that the Computer Processing of microcontroller 122 is described with the relative microcontroller 88 in front (Fig. 7) produces an X positional value and a Y positional value.By the object computer process, microcontroller 122 is accepted the agreement of control information according to controlled device, by one 8 pin hardware connector 132 (Figure 12) X positional value and Y positional value is transmitted into controlled device.Above-mentioned agreement is called as " control protocol ".

In one embodiment, controlled device is a Sega Genesis game machine, is to be made by the Sega in California Redwood city, and control protocol is to be the control device agreement of this Sega Genesis game machine definition, and its explanation also can obtain from Sega.The startup of determining X and Y positional value and treatment button according to the computer processes of microcontroller 122 will be explained in detail below.

Should be appreciated that the computer processes of microcontroller 122 can be transmitted into controlled device with X and Y positional value according to any agreement of emission control information.For example, be three different agreements that X and Y positional value can be transmitted into controlled device below.Six status protocols that common use of game console has been set up are communicated by letter with a game machine.10 status protocols that the common employing of mouse apparatus has been set up or 16 status protocols of having set up and people's compunication.The implementing virtual reality user's interface device adopts the VR status protocol of having set up to communicate by letter with game machine.Each agreement here is by the definition of the manufacturer of the specific controlled device that links to each other with controller 40c.

After control protocol finished, in case promptly microcontroller 122 is after controlled device has been launched X and Y positional value, the computer processes of microprocessor 122 entered into position transducer subroutine and button state subroutine.In the position transducer subroutine of the computer processes of being carried out by microprocessor 122, X and Y positional value are determined by following described mode.The button state subroutine of the computer processes of carrying out by microcontroller 122 determine which button 44a-h (Fig. 2 a)-if any-be pressed.Button 44a-h is corresponding to the button S1-S8 (Figure 12) of controller 40c.According to the agreement of being used by the game machine that can buy at present of having set up, controller 40c is usually every 10ms poll once X and Y positional value and button state.This provides time enough to come to determine this information by executing location sensor subroutine and button subroutine for controller 40c.

The position transducer subroutine is by changing circuit EY/DN and EX/UP from outlet line (being used for according to control protocol emission information) to incoming line (high state signal of every carrying).This makes the position transducer LED among position transducer module 48a and the 48b end, and makes each position transducer module by sequential testing.

Then, be triggered to low state to the signal of the pin two of timer 84 from high state at circuit PB (being the pin 3 of microcontroller 122), thereby the output terminal (pin 3) of timer 84 is set to high state, and started timer.The position transducer subroutine is called the timer subroutine in the computer processes of being carried out by microcontroller 122 execution.In the timer subroutine, be registered as the zero-time of time cycle by current time of the timer clock (not shown) of microcontroller 122 indication.The timer subroutine is by interrupting or the circuit XY (being pin 4) of poll monitoring microcontroller 122, up to the signal condition on the circuit XY till the high step-down.Deduct zero-time from the concluding time of timer 84, resulting difference is exactly the numeral of " definitely " position of primary importance sensor assembly 48a.Adopt this mode to come measuring position sensor assembly 48a, obtain a positional value.

Be set to the LED that high state comes to be set to hang down by LED, the EY line of primary importance sensor 48a conducting second place sensor 48b by the EX line, 48b repeats above-mentioned order to second place sensor assembly.At this moment timer 84 is triggered once more, and timer period is measured once more, obtains " definitely " position of another sensor thus.Concerning the structure that comprises three or four sensors, each sensor is repeated this order.

After

position transducer module

48a and 48b were measured, the computer processes of microcontroller 122 (Figure 12) entered the button state subroutine.In this button state subroutine, data line R, L, EX/UP and EY/DN are configured to incoming line, low signal of every delivery, and pushbutton enable line (being circuit BE0 and BE1) is started one by one, promptly is configured to deliver the outlet line of high state signal.

At first, BE0 is activated when circuit, and when circuit BE1 was held low state, read data line R, L and EX/UP and EY/DN data line came the state of review button S1 to S4.Secondly, BE1 is activated when circuit, and circuit BE0 is when keeping low state, and read data line R, L, EX/UP, EY/DN come the state of review button S5 to S8.This makes button S1 be checked one by one to S8, thereby can be in open mode or closed condition by confirming button.

The control signal of corresponding state of representing button S1 to S8 is sent to game machine according to control protocol after formatted.After position transducer and button state subroutine were finished, the computer program of being carried out by microcontroller 122 placed default standby condition with microcontroller 122, and at this moment computer processes waits for that game machine inquires about microcontroller 122 once more.

As mentioned above, (Fig. 2 operation a) can be finished by one of following dual mode: (1) is similar with the game control machine that can buy at present, adopts four direction key 44a-d, operates with manual manipulation mode for controller 40; (2) inclination controller 40 and use in several different running method (for example " figure pattern ", " inclination window scheme ", " ratio mode ", " pattern relatively " or " absolute mode ") of microcontroller all kinds of control signals that are adapted to different application are provided.

Under digital form, when sensor produce mobile when exceeding " window " that presets, connect suitable data line.This method of operation is simulated game console of the prior art, wherein or press (i.e. " connection " or close) or decontrol (i.e. " shutoff " or disconnection) arrow button.In the energising program, the position of position transducer module is sampled, and an absolute position that is called " original position " is recorded in the storer.Calculate positive and negative skew, and it is recorded in the storer, this positive and negative skew is relevant with the original position, and limits a window jointly.

Each time controller 40 by as mentioned above

position sensor assembly

48a and 48b (Fig. 2 c) being checked, with definite sensed position, and is checked its skew by the controlled device poll that links to each other with controller 40.If sensed position between positive and negative skew, promptly in window, disconnects two relevant circuits (a for example left side and right) so, just looks like that left and right directionkeys all is not pressed equally.If (Fig. 2's controller 40 a) is tilted to the left, make the position of induction be positioned at outside the window that constitutes by positive and negative skew the left side of this window (promptly), in the game machine polling procedure left sensor line being closed so, just looks like that LeftArrow is pressed (promptly closing or " startup ") equally.The shift position sensor can make left sensor line reset to off-state backward in window, just looks like that LeftArrow released (promptly disconnecting or " stopping using ") is the same.

In the moving window mode, the same with digital form recited above, positive and negative skew is used to switch on and off relevant data circuit.Yet under the moving window mode, the forward of window switches on and off the edge and dynamically is provided with.For example, if when controller 40 is tilted to the left, so in storer one of record new or " current " initial point (being the original position), regulate window by add positive and negative skew to current initial point.In fact, window is moved to the left, and mobile controller 40 just can switch on and off a left side or right sensor line to make the user only need slightly.

Under the ratio mode, the position of induction is used to produce " connection " cycle and " disconnections " cycle, in " connection " cycle, and the startup of controller 40 analog direction key, and in " disconnection " cycle, controller 40 analog direction key inactive.Some recreation of being carried out by game machine makes the user only use a numeral (i.e. " on/off ") switch to simulate the amplitude of an analog control signal.In the racing car electronic game example that provides in the above, the racing of bigger amplitude dish capable of indicating direction.The switch that the big amplitude of analog control signal can have big frequency by the user or the startup of existing game control machine or in the long time cycle switch is remained on starting state and simulate.

In ratio mode, controller 40 simulation comprises that the analog control signal of amplitude information controls controlled device, and this can (for example the control signal of directionkeys 44a-d (Fig. 2 a) in any one) realizes corresponding to digital switch by launching to controlled device.Amplitude information comprises (i) inversion frequency from the dead status of switch to starting state, the time percentage that takies when (ii) switch is in starting state (being " working cycle " of switch), (iii) switch is maintained at the time span of starting state, or (iv) foregoing (i) arrives combination in any (iii).The amplitude information of being represented by the analog control signal of simulation is proportional to the position of induction and the difference between the initial point.In other words, controller 40 is tilted, representative by the switch of frequent starting or the signal of switch that remained on starting state for a long time by emulation.

The difference of amplitude information is represented to be used to more accurately amplitude information to be sent to specific recreation.For example, recreation can be by determining the amplitude of control signal in the number of starts of given time cycle compute switch, and another recreation can be determined the amplitude of control signal by the time span that measuring switch is maintained at starting state.In order to make controller 40 suitably represent in controlled device the amplitude information of carrying out particular game, the controlled device Response Table of can in the microcontroller (for example microcontroller 122 (Figure 12)) of controller 40, packing in advance.

To each amplitude, Response Table is specified a pattern of " connection " and " shutoff " signal, and it is corresponding to a digital switch, and is used to represent a specific amplitude.Controller 40 is just determined the sensed position of a position transducer module (as

position transducer module

48a and 48b) at every turn by when inquiry, and the corresponding pattern of an amplitude that equates with difference between sensed position and the initial point of retrieval.This pattern that is retrieved is used to launch the startup of representing gauge tap and inactive control signal, so that amplitude information is transmitted into controlled device.

Under relative pattern, when each position transducer is inquired about, just according to the position of the current induction of control protocol measure and transmit and the difference between the previous position of responding to.The position that deducts previous induction from the position of current induction obtains the measured value that relatively moves.This measured value that relatively moves is normally used for by Genius mouse simulation control, thereby is sent to controlled personal computer according to the mouse control agreement of having set up usually.

Under absolute mode, the sensed position of position transducer is assembled into software package and sends to controlled device according to control protocol.The position of mouse on control example such as the screen is come in the position that the controlled device utilization has been responded to.Under absolute mode, the position of Genius mouse is directly corresponding to the sensed position of position transducer on the screen.Absolute mode is well suited for implementing virtual reality and uses, and control protocol wherein is an implementing virtual reality control protocol, VR State Control agreement for example described above.

Figure 13 a and 13b are respectively overlooking and side cross-sectional, view of two-dimensional position sensor module 150a.In one embodiment, two-dimensional position sensor module 150a comprises a transparent spherical container 154a, wherein has a reverberation 158 (as an air bubble) to be suspended in the solvent 162 (as isopropyl alcohol).It should be understood that equally with the top description that reverberation 56 (Fig. 3) and the solvent 60 of position sensor assembly 48a are done, other reverberation and solvent also are suitable among the two-dimensional position sensor 150a.Be placed on container 154a bottom infrarede emitting diode (" LED ") 166 (Figure 13 is a) to reverberation 158 illuminations, reverberation with infrared light reflection to four photodiode 170a-d that shown in Figure 13 a and 13b, place.

When two-dimensional position sensor module 150a was positioned at horizontal level (shown in Figure 13 a and 13b), reverberation 158 was in the center of photodiode 170a-d, therefore reflected the light of equivalent to each photodiode 170a-d.(Figure 13 is a) when rotating around for example X-axis as two-dimensional position sensor module 150a, reverberation 158 keeps static, and change light gradually in first couple of relative photodiode 170a and the direction between the 170b, be increased in the incident light on the photodiode (for example photodiode 170a), and reduce the incident light on another photodiode (for example photodiode 170b).Similarly, then change light in second couple of relative photodiode 170c and the direction between the 170d about Y-axis tilted two-dimensional position transducer module 150a.

In others, the class of operation of the operation of two-dimensional position sensor module 150a and cylindric

position transducer module

48a and 48b (Fig. 2 c) seemingly.Yet, a single two-dimensional position sensor, as two-dimensional position sensor module 150a (Figure 13 a and 13b), can induction controller 40 in angle position or the direction of two-dimensional space with respect to X-axis and Y-axis.By comparison, two columned position transducer module 48a of needs and 48b (Fig. 2 c) respond to the position, angle with respect to X-axis and Y-axis.Concerning great majority are used, adopt a single two-dimensional position sensor, as two-dimensional position sensor module 150a (Figure 13 a and 13b),,, cheap as

position transducer module

48a and 48b (Fig. 2 c) than adopting a pair of cylindric position transducer.

Figure 13 c and 13d are respectively another embodiment of two-dimensional position sensor, and promptly two-dimensional position sensor module 150b's overlooks and side cross-sectional, view.Two-dimensional position sensor module 150b adopts a hemispherical container 154b rather than a spherical container.Concerning some was used, the advantage of a hemispherical container was more miniaturization or is easier to make.The operation of the operation of two-dimensional position sensor module 150b and above-described two-dimensional position sensor module 150a (Figure 13 a and 13b) is similar.

The block scheme of Figure 14 shows according to the present invention the embodiment (for example two-dimensional position sensor module 150b of the two-dimensional position sensor module 150a of Figure 13 a and 13b or Figure 13 c and 13d) with the two-dimensional position sensor module 150 of a ratio digital instrument amplifier 174 (referred to herein as " than rate amplifier ") interface.Than rate amplifier 174 are CMOS 555 timers 84 (for example TLC555 timer of the Texas instrument company of Texas Dallas manufacturing) that are configured to a univibrator, and its operation is similar with previously described operation than rate amplifier 80 (Fig. 5).In another embodiment, timer 84 (Figure 14) is configured to the front corresponding to than the described astable multivibrator of rate amplifier 80 (Fig. 5).

Figure 15 is the circuit block diagram of controller 40d (the 4th embodiment of controller of the present invention).Two-dimensional position sensor module 150-can be two-dimensional position sensor module 150a (Figure 13 a and 13b), also can be two-dimensional position sensor module 150b (Figure 13 c and 13d)-be connected to timer 84, so that induction is with respect to the position, angle of X-axis and Y-axis.The microcontroller 180 that is configured to transmitter provides multiplex signal EXC, EXA and EYC, EYA, and they once only start a pair of photodiode 170a-d staggered relatively.For example, microcontroller 180 starts first couple of photodiode 170a staggered relatively and 170b, so that induction X position.

Microcontroller 180 by high level voltage (logical one) is added to signal EXC, low level voltage (logical zero) is added to signal EXA and starts photodiode 170a and 170b.In induction X position, signal EYC and EYA are maintained at the high impedance input state.Microcontroller 180 (i) triggering timing device 84 produces an XY output signal on the pin 3 of timer 84 then, (ii) produces a corresponding digital filtering X positional value, (iii) the X positional value is converted to the output signal of doing width modulation.The class of operation of microcontroller 180 is similar to the operation of foregoing microcontroller 88 (Fig. 7).

Then, microcontroller 180 (Figure 15) starts multiplexed signal EYC and EYA with the similar fashion of top enabling signal EXC and EXA, thereby starts second couple of

photodiode

170c and 170d staggered relatively, with induction Y position.In induction Y position, signal EXC and EXA are maintained at the high impedance input state.Control signal outputs to traditional infrared transmitter 190 at the pin 3 of microcontroller 180, and the latter is transmitted into traditional infrared remote receiver with control signal, as infrared remote receiver 110 (Figure 11).The operation of infrared transmitter 190 is similar to the operation of infrared transmitter 100 recited above (Fig. 9).

Modulated control signal then is used to drive the four direction key input of electronic game machine (not shown) of the prior art.As mentioned above, adopt one " diffusion laser diode " (for example the Siemens device company of California Cupertino make SFH495P diffusion laser diode) than adopting traditional infrared LED to produce to be used to the infrared beam that emit a control signal to infrared remote receiver that superiority is more arranged.

In one embodiment, the computer program of microcontroller 122 can adopt the M68HC705KICS assembly routine of Motorola Inc.'s manufacturing of Arizona State Phoenix to collect.When collected and the microcontroller 122 (Figure 12) of packing into after, various computer programs can constitute the computer processes that comes operation control 40c respectively according to previously described digital form, relative mode and absolute mode.Certain computer language that is adopted and specific microcontroller are not main aspects of the present invention.Open with regard to what the present invention did, those skilled in the art can adopt different computereses and/or different microcontrollers to implement the present invention.

According to the present invention, the controller (not shown) adopts diffusion laser diode 202 (Figure 16) to emit a control signal to controlled device 204.Controlled device 204 comprises an infrared remote receiver 206, is used for receiving control signal.Diffusion laser diode 202 is shown in two

alternate positions

202A and 202B, and they are corresponding to two alternate position of controller, and wherein spread the direction that laser diode 202 is not aimed at receiver 206.Because it is diffusion laser diode 202 does not have to produce the infrared beam that is focused, the same strong when therefore the signal that is received by receiver 206 is directly aimed at receiver 206 with diffusion laser diode 202 basically.Therefore, no matter the direction that diffusion laser diode 202 is aimed at how, the intensity of the infrared signal that is received by receiver 206 is constant basically.Therefore, the agc circuit (not shown) in the controlled device 204 only need be made the Strength Changes of small adjustment with the compensation received signal, in some cases, can all save.Because only need intensity to received signal to finely tune, the agc circuit in the controlled device 204 is generally used for enough to do this adjusting fast to avoid the loss of control information in the received signal.

In fact the infrared light intensity that diffusion laser diode (as laser diode 202) produces is eager to excel than the infrared light intensity that is produced by non-laser LED.Therefore, although have diffusion, non-focusing characteristic by the infrared light of diffusion laser diode 202 emissions, can be by the infrared signal of diffusion laser diode 202 emissions by controlled device 206 receptions.Diffusion laser diode 202 is transmitted into controlled device 206 from the distance that traditional controller is transmitted into control signal controlled device 206 with control signal.

Figure 17 shows second purposes of diffusion laser diode 304 in the controller 302.Diffusion laser diode 304 controlled devices 302 are used for launching infrared signal to controlled device 306, and the latter receives this infrared signal by receiver 308.As shown in figure 17, barrier 310 is placed between diffusion laser diode 304 and the receiver 308, thereby can not directly be passed to receiver 308 by the infrared light of diffusion laser diode 304 emissions.Yet, because by the infrared light out-focus that spreads laser diode 304 emissions, therefore the infrared light along the emission of arrow A 1 direction has roughly the same intensity with direct infrared light to receiver 308 emissions.Light along the emission of arrow A 1 direction is reflected by an object (as the top board (not shown)), and receives (shown in arrow A 2) by receiver 308.

In one embodiment, diffusion laser diode 304 and 202 (Figure 16) is the SFH495P diffusion laser diode of the Siemens device company manufacturing of California Cupertino.Diffusion laser diode 202 and 304 generally can directly substitute traditional infrared LED in traditional controller, and does not need circuit is wherein done any change.Circuit (not shown) by diffusion laser diode 202 and 304 codings and the emission as the control signal of infrared signal one class is that tradition is also known.Similarly, the control signal infrared signal that is used as receiver 206 and 308 receives and the circuit (not shown) of decoding also is a tradition and known.

The top description of doing only is exemplary but not determinate.The present invention only is subjected to the restriction of following claim.

Should be appreciated that, above the description done as exemplary and indefiniteness explanation.To those skilled in the art, openly can understand many improvement of the present invention according to this paper did.Therefore protection scope of the present invention is not determined by above-mentioned explanation, but determined by appended claims and all equivalent scope thereof.

Element nominal value among embodiment

Fig. 5	????R1	680
Fig. 5	????R1	680	Fig. 5	????R2	47K
Fig. 5	????C2	0.1	Fig. 5	????R2	47K
Fig. 5	????C2	0.1	Fig. 5	????U3	TLC555
Fig. 7	????C1	0.1 RC0805	Fig. 5	????U3	TLC555
Fig. 7	????C1	0.1 RC0805	Fig. 7	????C2	0.1 RC0805

Fig. 7	????J1	6PCON
Fig. 7	????J1	6PCON	Fig. 7	????R1	680 RC0805
Fig. 7	????R2	47K RC0805	Fig. 7	????R1	680 RC0805
Fig. 7	????R2	47K RC0805	Fig. 7	????U3	TLC3555
Fig. 7	????U1	TV1501	Fig. 7	????U3	TLC3555
Fig. 7	????U1	TV1501	Fig. 7	????U2	TV1501
Fig. 7	????U4	TV1609	Fig. 7	????U2	TV1501
Fig. 7	????U4	TV1609	Fig. 7	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3
Fig. 9	????BT1	3V	Fig. 7	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3
Fig. 9	????BT1	3V	Fig. 9	????C1	0.1 RC0805
Fig. 9	????C2	0.1 RC0805	Fig. 9	????C1	0.1 RC0805
Fig. 9	????C2	0.1 RC0805	Fig. 9	????C3	22 SIZEC
Fig. 9	????D2	NEC-SE1003 DIODE0.1	Fig. 9	????C3	22 SIZEC
Fig. 9	????D2	NEC-SE1003 DIODE0.1	Fig. 9	????Q1	MMBT3904 SOT233
Fig. 9	????Q2	MMBT4401 SOT235	Fig. 9	????Q1	MMBT3904 SOT233
Fig. 9	????Q2	MMBT4401 SOT235	Fig. 9	????R1	680
Fig. 9	????R2	73K RC0805	Fig. 9	????R1	680
Fig. 9	????R2	73K RC0805	Fig. 9	????R3	270K RC0805

Fig. 9	????R4	0.8 RC0805
Fig. 9	????R4	0.8 RC0805	Fig. 9	????U1	TVI501
Fig. 9	????U2	TVI501	Fig. 9	????U1	TVI501
Fig. 9	????U2	TVI501	Fig. 9	????U3	TLC555
Fig. 9	????U4	TVI603S	Fig. 9	????U3	TLC555
Fig. 9	????U4	TVI603S	Fig. 9	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3
Figure 11	????C1	2.2	Fig. 9	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3
Figure 11	????C1	2.2	Figure 11	????D1	LDH1113
Figure 11	????D2	1N914	Figure 11	????D1	LDH1113
Figure 11	????D2	1N914	Figure 11	????D3	1N914
Figure 11	????J1	6PCON	Figure 11	????D3	1N914
Figure 11	????J1	6PCON	Figure 11	????Q1	VN0300L
Figure 11	????Q2	VN0300L	Figure 11	????Q1	VN0300L
Figure 11	????Q2	VN0300L	Figure 11	????R1	24K
Figure 11	????R2	2K	Figure 11	????R1	24K
Figure 11	????R2	2K	Figure 11	????U1	GP1U52X
Figure 11	????U2	TV1701 SOL-16	Figure 11	????U1	GP1U52X
Figure 11	????U2	TV1701 SOL-16	Figure 11	????U3	TO-92 LP2950CZ-5
Figure 11	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3	Figure 11	????U3	TO-92 LP2950CZ-5
Figure 11	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3	Figure 12 a	????C1	0.1 RC0805
Figure 12 a	????C2	0.1 RC0805	Figure 12 a	????C1	0.1 RC0805
Figure 12 a	????C2	0.1 RC0805	Figure 12 a	????D1	1N914

Figure 12 a	????D2	1N914
Figure 12 a	????D2	1N914	Figure 12 a	????R1	680 RC0805
Figure 12 a	????R2	120K RC0805	Figure 12 a	????R1	680 RC0805
Figure 12 a	????R2	120K RC0805	Figure 12 a	????R3	270K RC0805
Figure 12 a	????R4	680	Figure 12 a	????R3	270K RC0805
Figure 12 a	????R4	680	Figure 12 a	????U1	TVI501
Figure 12 a	????U2	TVI501	Figure 12 a	????U1	TVI501
Figure 12 a	????U2	TVI501	Figure 12 a	????U3	TLC555
Figure 12 a	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3	Figure 12 a	????U3	TLC555
Figure 12 a	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS RESON3	Figure 12 b	????C3	22UF SIZE?C
Figure 12 b	????D3	1N914	Figure 12 b	????C3	22UF SIZE?C
Figure 12 b	????D3	1N914	Figure 12 b	????J1	9PCON
Figure 12 b	????U4	TVI609	Figure 12 b	????J1	9PCON
Figure 12 b	????U4	TVI609	Figure 14	????C2	0.1
Figure 14	????R1	680	Figure 14	????C2	0.1
Figure 14	????R1	680	Figure 14	????R2	47K
Figure 14	????U3	TLC555	Figure 14	????R2	47K
Figure 14	????U3	TLC555	Figure 15	????C2	0.1
Figure 15	????R1	680	Figure 15	????C2	0.1
Figure 15	????R1	680	Figure 15	????R2	47K
Figure 15	????U1	TVI610	Figure 15	????R2	47K
Figure 15	????U1	TVI610	Figure 15	????U2	TLC555
Figure 15	????Y1	KBR3.58MKS	Figure 15	????U2	TLC555

Claims

1, position transducer module comprises:

A signal source that is used to transmit;

First and second signal transducers; And

A reverberation with respect to the removable placement of first and second signal transducers;

Wherein first and second signal transducers are placed the signal that receives from the reverberation reflection;

Wherein first signal transducer and secondary signal sensor are joined together a sensor output signal are provided in addition, and the indication reverberation is with respect to the position of first and second signal transducers.

2, position transducer module according to claim 1, the angle between wherein axis of reference of first and second signal transducers definition, and sensor output signal wherein and axis of reference and the reference planes is relevant.

3, position transducer module according to claim 1, wherein reverberation is placed in the container movably.

4, position transducer module according to claim 3, wherein this container is columniform.

5, position transducer module according to claim 3, wherein container has defined a longitudinal axis, and wherein container causes relatively moving between the reverberation and first and second signal transducers around the rotation of longitudinal axis.

6, position transducer module according to claim 1, wherein reverberation is spherical.

7, position transducer according to claim 1, wherein reverberation comprises a bubble in liquid.

8, position transducer according to claim 7, wherein said bubble are bubbles.

9, position transducer according to claim 7, wherein said bubble is the second kind liquid different with the top liquid of mentioning first, and wherein first kind of liquid has first density, second kind of liquid has second density that is different from first density, in addition, wherein first and second kinds of liquid keep separating fully in container.

10, position transducer module according to claim 1, wherein sensor output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of the signal that is received by first signal transducer.

11, a controller comprises:

A position transducer module according to claim 1;

A signal conditioner is operably connected to the primary importance sensor assembly, is used for sensor output signal is converted to control signal.

12, controller according to claim 11, wherein signal conditioner is converted to adjusted output signal with sensor output signal.

13, controller according to claim 12, wherein adjusted output signal have a pulse width, and this pulse width is proportional to the intensity of the signal that is received by first signal transducer and the intensity of the signal that received by the secondary signal sensor.

14, controller according to claim 13, wherein signal conditioner further comprises a microcontroller, is used for adjusted output signal is converted to control signal.

15, controller according to claim 14 further comprises: an infrared transmitter is used for to the receiver emissioning controling signal.

16, controller according to claim 15, wherein infrared transmitter further comprises a diffusion laser diode.

17, controller according to claim 14 further comprises: a radiofrequency launcher is used for to the receiver emissioning controling signal.

18, controller according to claim 14 further comprises: a ultrasonic transmitter is used for to the receiver emissioning controling signal.

19, controller according to claim 14, wherein microcontroller adopts the figure pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

20, controller according to claim 14, wherein microcontroller adopts moving window pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

21, controller according to claim 14, wherein microcontroller adopts the communication of ratio mode interface controlled device.

22, controller according to claim 14, wherein microcontroller adopts relative pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

23, controller according to claim 14, wherein microcontroller adopts the absolute mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

24, controller according to claim 11 further comprises: an infrared transmitter is used for to the receiver emissioning controling signal.

25, controller according to claim 24, wherein infrared transmitter further comprises a diffusion laser diode.

26, controller according to claim 11 further comprises: a radiofrequency launcher is used for to the receiver emissioning controling signal.

27, controller according to claim 11 further comprises a ultrasonic transmitter, is used for to the receiver emissioning controling signal.

28, controller according to claim 11, wherein signal conditioner adopts the figure pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

29, controller according to claim 11, wherein signal conditioner adopts moving window pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

30, controller according to claim 11, wherein signal conditioner adopts the ratio mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

31, controller according to claim 11, wherein signal conditioner adopts relative pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

32, controller according to claim 11, wherein signal conditioner adopts the absolute mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

33, controller according to claim 11 further comprises:

Different with the position transducer module of mentioning first and be operably connected to the second place sensor assembly of signal conditioner, this second place sensor assembly comprises:

The secondary signal source different with the signal source of mentioning first is used to launch the secondary signal different with the signal of mentioning first;

Third and fourth signal transducer;

Be different from the reverberation of mentioning for the first time, and second reverberation of placing movably with respect to third and fourth signal transducer;

Wherein third and fourth signal transducer is placed the secondary signal that receives by the reflection of second reverberation;

In addition, wherein the 3rd signal transducer and the 4th signal transducer are coupled provides second sensor output signal, and it is different with the sensor output signal of mentioning for the first time and indicate the position of second reverberation with respect to third and fourth signal transducer;

Wherein signal conditioner is converted to second sensor output signal and the second different control signal of addressing for the first time of control signal.

34, controller according to claim 33, wherein first and second signal transducers define first axis of reference, and third and fourth signal transducer defines second axis of reference;

In addition, wherein the angle between first sensor output signal and first axis of reference and the reference planes is relevant; Second sensor output signal is relevant with angle between second axis of reference and this reference planes.

35, controller according to claim 34, wherein first axis of reference and second axis of reference quadrature in fact.

36, controller according to claim 33, wherein first reverberation is placed in first container movably, and second reverberation is placed in second container movably.

37, controller according to claim 36, wherein first and second containers are columniform.

38, controller according to claim 36, wherein first container defines first longitudinal axis, and second container defines second longitudinal axis;

And wherein first container causes relatively moving between first reverberation and first and second signal transducers around the rotation of first longitudinal axis; And

Wherein second container causes relatively moving between second reverberation and third and fourth signal transducer around the rotation of second longitudinal axis.

39, controller according to claim 33, wherein the first sensor output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of first signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of first signal that is received by first signal transducer; And second sensor output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the secondary signal that is received by the 4th signal transducer of the secondary signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer.

40, according to the described controller of claim 39, wherein signal conditioner is converted to the first and second adjusted output signals respectively with first and second sensor output signals.

41, according to the described controller of claim 40, wherein the pulsewidth of the first adjusted output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of first signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of first signal that is received by first signal transducer; And the pulsewidth of the second adjusted output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the secondary signal that is received by the 4th signal transducer of the secondary signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer.

42, according to the described controller of claim 39, wherein signal conditioner further comprises a microcontroller, is used for the first and second adjusted output signals are converted to first and second control signals.

43, controller according to claim 33, wherein signal conditioner comes alternately to start respectively the first and second position transducer modules by alternately starting first and second signal sources.

44, a position transducer module comprises:

A signal source that is used to transmit;

The first, second, third and the 4th signal transducer;

A reverberation with respect to the first, second, third and the 4th removable placement of signal transducer;

Wherein the first, second, third and the 4th signal transducer is placed the signal that receives from the reverberation reflection;

Wherein first signal transducer and secondary signal sensor are joined together the first sensor output signal are provided in addition, and the indication reverberation is with respect to the position of first and second signal transducers; And

Wherein the 3rd signal transducer and the 4th signal transducer are joined together provides second sensor output signal, and the indication reverberation is with respect to the position of third and fourth signal transducer.

45, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, wherein the first sensor output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the signal intensity that is received by the secondary signal sensor of the signal that is received by first signal transducer; And second sensor output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the 4th signal transducer of the signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer.

46, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, wherein first and second signal transducers define first axis of reference, and third and fourth signal transducer defines second axis of reference; And

Wherein the position transducer module causes reverberation with respect to first and second signal transducers or moving with respect to third and fourth signal transducer around first or second rotation.

47, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, wherein reverberation is spherical.

48, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, reverberation right and wrong sphere wherein.

49, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, wherein reverberation comprises a bubble in liquid.

50, according to the described position transducer module of claim 49, wherein reverberation comprises a bubble.

51, according to the described position transducer of claim 49, wherein said bubble is the second kind liquid different with the liquid of addressing first; And first kind of liquid has first density, and second kind of liquid has second density that is different from first density; In addition, wherein first and second kinds of liquid keep actual separation.

52, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, wherein first and second signal transducers define first axis of reference, and third and fourth signal transducer defines second axis of reference;

53, according to the described position transducer module of claim 52, first axis of reference and second axis of reference quadrature in fact wherein.

54, according to the described position transducer module of claim 44, wherein reverberation is placed in the container movably.

55, according to the described position transducer module of claim 54, wherein the inside surface of container to small part is spherical.

56, according to the described position transducer module of claim 52, wherein reverberation is placed in the container movably;

Wherein container causes relatively moving between the reverberation and first and second signal transducers around the rotation of first longitudinal axis in addition, and described first longitudinal axis and first axis of reference be quadrature in fact;

And wherein container causes relatively moving between second reverberation and third and fourth signal transducer around the rotation of second longitudinal axis, and described second longitudinal axis and second axis of reference be quadrature in fact.

57, controller comprises:

A position sensor module as claimed in claim 44;

A signal conditioner that is operably connected to the position sensor module is used for first and second sensor output signals are converted to control signal.

58, according to the described controller of claim 57, wherein signal conditioner is converted to the first adjusted output signal with the first sensor output signal, and the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of the signal that is received by first signal transducer;

And signal conditioner is converted to the second adjusted output signal with second sensor output signal, and the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the 4th signal transducer of the signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer.

59, according to the described controller of claim 58, wherein signal conditioner comprises:

A microcontroller is used for the first and second adjusted output signals are converted to control signal.

60, according to the described controller of claim 59, wherein microcontroller adopts the figure pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

61, according to the described controller of claim 59, wherein microcontroller adopts moving window pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

62, according to the described controller of claim 59, wherein microcontroller adopts the ratio mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

63, according to the described controller of claim 59, wherein microcontroller adopts relative pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

64, according to the described controller of claim 59, wherein microcontroller adopts the absolute mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

65, according to the described controller of claim 57, signal conditioner control position sensor assembly wherein, by alternately startup (i) first and second signal transducers and (ii) third and fourth signal transducer, come multipath conversion first and second sensor output signals.

66, according to the described controller of claim 57, further comprise an infrared transmitter, be used to emit a control signal to a receiver.

67, according to the described controller of claim 66, wherein infrared transmitter further comprises a diffusion laser diode.

68, according to the described controller of claim 57, further comprise a radiofrequency launcher, be used to emit a control signal to a receiver.

69, according to the described controller of claim 57, further comprise a ultrasonic transmitter, be used to emit a control signal to a receiver.

70, according to the described controller of claim 57, wherein signal conditioner adopts the figure pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

71, according to the described controller of claim 57, wherein signal conditioner adopts moving window pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

72, according to the described controller of claim 57, wherein signal conditioner adopts the ratio mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

73, according to the described controller of claim 57, wherein signal conditioner adopts relative pattern interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

74, according to the described controller of claim 57, wherein signal conditioner adopts the absolute mode interface to communicate by letter with controlled device.

75, a kind of method may further comprise the steps:

From signal of signal source emission;

Reflect this signal from a reverberation, this reverberation is placed movably with respect to first and second signal transducers;

Receive this signal with first and second signal transducers;

Connect first and second signal transducers sensor output signal of indication reverberation with respect to the position of first and second signal transducers is provided.

76, according to the described method of claim 75, further comprise:

Sensor output signal is converted to control signal.

77, according to the described method of claim 75, wherein the first sensor output signal is directly related to the angle between first axis of reference and the reference planes, and this first axis of reference is limited by first and second signal transducers.

78, according to the described method of claim 75, wherein sensor output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of the signal that is received by first signal transducer.

79, according to the described method of claim 78, further comprise:

Produce an adjusted signal, the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of the signal that is received by first signal transducer.

80, according to the described method of claim 75, further may further comprise the steps:

From the secondary signal source emission and the signal different secondary signal first addressed different with the signal source of addressing first;

From different with the reverberation of addressing first and reflect this signal with respect to second reverberation that third and fourth signal transducer is placed movably;

Receive this secondary signal with third and fourth signal transducer;

Connecting third and fourth signal transducer provides second sensor output signal, and this signal is different with the sensor output signal of addressing first, and it indicates the position of second reverberation with respect to third and fourth signal transducer.

81,0 described method according to Claim 8 further comprises:

Second sensor output signal is converted to an additional control signal.

82,0 described method according to Claim 8, wherein the first sensor output signal is relevant to the angle between first axis of reference and the reference planes, and this first axis of reference is limited by first and second signal transducers; And wherein second sensor output signal is relevant to the angle between second axis of reference and this reference planes, and this second axis of reference is limited by third and fourth signal transducer.

83,0 described method according to Claim 8, wherein the first sensor output signal is proportional to the intensity of first signal that is received by first signal transducer and the ratio of the intensity of first signal that received by the secondary signal sensor; And wherein second sensor output signal is proportional to the intensity of the secondary signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer and the ratio of the intensity of the secondary signal that received by the 4th signal transducer.

84,3 described methods according to Claim 8 further comprise:

Produce first adjusted signal, the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of first signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of first signal that is received by first signal transducer;

Produce second adjusted signal, the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the secondary signal that is received by the 4th signal transducer of the secondary signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer.

85, a kind of method may further comprise the steps:

From signal of signal source emission;

Reflect this signal from a reverberation, this reverberation is placed movably with respect to the first, second, third and the 4th signal transducer;

Receive this signal with the first, second, third and the 4th signal transducer;

Connecting first and second signal transducers provides the first sensor output signal, and this signal is indicated the position of this reverberation with respect to first and second signal transducers;

Connecting third and fourth signal transducer provides second sensor output signal, and this signal is indicated the position of this reverberation with respect to third and fourth signal transducer.

86,5 described methods according to Claim 8 further comprise:

First and second sensor output signals are converted to control signal.

87,5 described methods according to Claim 8, wherein the first sensor output signal is relevant to the angle between first axis of reference and the reference planes, and this first axis of reference is limited by first and second signal transducers; And wherein second sensor output signal is relevant to the angle between second axis of reference and this reference planes, and this second axis of reference is limited by third and fourth signal transducer.

88,5 described methods according to Claim 8, wherein the first sensor output signal is proportional to the intensity of the signal that is received by first signal transducer and the ratio of the intensity of the signal that received by the secondary signal sensor; And wherein second sensor output signal is proportional to the intensity of the signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer and the ratio of the intensity of the signal that received by the 4th signal transducer.

89,8 described methods according to Claim 8 further comprise:

Produce first adjusted signal, the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the secondary signal sensor of the signal that is received by first signal transducer;

Produce second adjusted signal, the pulsewidth of this signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the signal that is received by the 4th signal transducer of the signal that is received by the 3rd signal transducer.

90, a kind of controller comprises:

Position indicating circuit, it produces a control signal representing location of controls; And

A wireless launcher links to each other with position sensing circuit, so that the transmitting site signal is to moving the wireless receiver that is connected with controlled device, this wireless launcher comprises a diffusion laser diode.

91, a kind of position sensing circuit comprises:

Receive the first sensor of first signal;

Receive second sensor of secondary signal;

Be used to produce the ratio rate amplifier of ratio output signal, described ratio output signal is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the secondary signal that is received by second sensor of first signal that is received by first sensor.

92, according to the described position sensing circuit of claim 91, wherein the ratio output signal is a digital signal, and its pulsewidth is proportional to the ratio of intensity with the intensity of the secondary signal that is received by second sensor of first signal that is received by first sensor.

93, a kind of being used for to the controller of controlled device emission with the control signal of a coded optical signal, this controller comprises a diffusion laser diode.

94, according to the described controller of claim 93, wherein light signal is an infrared signal.

95, to the method for controlled device emissioning controling signal, this method comprises:

Adopt diffusion laser diode emission light signal.

96, according to the described method of claim 95, wherein light signal is an infrared signal.

97,, also be included in and receive a light signal in the controlled device according to the described method of claim 95.